Redex Petrol System Cleaner is a fuel additive specially developed to boost fuel efficiency, restore performance, and protect against E10 corrosion. This affordable and widely available fuel system cleaner is designed to remove harmful deposits that build up in your fuel system over time, helping to reduce emissions and improve engine performance. With a simple pour-in application and compatibility with all petrol engines including hybrids, Redex offers a convenient solution for regular fuel system maintenance at a budget-friendly price point.
Redex Petrol System Cleaner addresses a common issue in modern vehicles: the gradual accumulation of deposits in the fuel system. These deposits can form on fuel injectors, intake valves, and combustion chambers, leading to reduced performance, decreased fuel efficiency, and increased emissions. The introduction of E10 petrol (containing 10% ethanol) as the standard grade in the UK has further exacerbated these issues, as the higher ethanol content can cause corrosion and other problems in some vehicles.
The primary purpose of Redex Petrol System Cleaner is to dissolve and remove these harmful deposits, restoring engine performance and improving fuel economy. It’s designed as a maintenance product rather than a fix for severe problems, with the manufacturer recommending regular use to prevent deposit buildup rather than waiting until performance issues become noticeable.
Redex Petrol System Cleaner performs its primary function of cleaning the fuel system adequately, though not exceptionally. The formulation is designed to dissolve carbon deposits and varnish that accumulate in the fuel system, particularly on injectors and intake valves. While it may not match the aggressive cleaning power of premium products with higher PEA (Polyetheramine) concentrations, it provides sufficient cleaning capability for regular maintenance purposes.
Key Benefits:
- Cleans fuel injectors to maintain optimal spray patterns
- Reduces carbon deposits in the combustion chamber
- Helps protect against E10 petrol corrosion
- Modest improvements in fuel economy for some users
- Potential reduction in emissions, helpful for MOT tests
The technology behind Redex Petrol System Cleaner is relatively straightforward compared to premium competitors. It contains PEA (Polyetheramine), the industry-standard cleaning agent for fuel systems, though at a lower concentration than premium products. The formulation also includes corrosion inhibitors specifically designed to address the challenges posed by E10 petrol’s higher ethanol content, which can cause issues in fuel systems not designed for it.
Technical Features:
- PEA-based cleaning formulation
- E10 corrosion protection technology
- Detergent package for fuel injector cleaning
- Precise 2.5ml per liter dosing ratio
- Compatible with all petrol engines including hybrids
Redex excels in ease of use, with a simple pour-in application that requires no special tools or technical knowledge. The bottle is designed with a long neck that inserts like a fuel pump nozzle, making it easy to add to your tank. Clear dosage markers on the side of the bottle and straightforward instructions ensure proper application. The 250ml bottle contains 2 shots, with each shot treating one full tank of fuel (approximately 50 liters).
Usage Highlights:
- Simple pour-in application
- Clear dosage markers on bottle
- No special tools or knowledge required
- Compatible with all petrol engines
- Can be added before or after filling with fuel
Redex is one of the most popular and widely recognized fuel additive brands in the UK, with a long history dating back decades. The Petrol System Cleaner is readily available in supermarkets, auto parts stores, and online retailers, often at promotional prices. This widespread availability, combined with the affordable price point, has made it a go-to choice for many UK drivers looking for basic fuel system maintenance.
Market Presence:
- Widely available in UK supermarkets and auto stores
- Strong brand recognition among UK drivers
- Frequently on promotion in major retailers
- Established history in the UK market
- Strong online presence and customer reviews
Value Proposition
What sets Redex Petrol System Cleaner apart in the crowded fuel additive market is its balance of affordability and effectiveness. While premium competitors may offer more aggressive cleaning formulations, they often come at 2-3 times the price. For regular maintenance and prevention of deposit buildup, Redex provides sufficient cleaning power at a price point that makes regular use economically feasible. This value proposition is particularly appealing for drivers of everyday vehicles who want to maintain their fuel system without investing in expensive professional-grade products that might be overkill for their needs.
Technical Specifications & Formulation
Redex Petrol System Cleaner features a relatively straightforward formulation designed to clean fuel system components and protect against E10 corrosion. While the exact formulation is proprietary, it’s known to contain PEA (Polyetheramine), the industry-standard cleaning agent for fuel systems, along with corrosion inhibitors and other additives.
Key Technical Features
- Contains PEA (Polyetheramine) for carbon deposit removal
- Specific dosage of 2.5ml of Redex per liter of fuel
- 250ml bottle contains 2 shots/doses
- Each shot treats one full tank of fuel (approximately 50 liters)
- Compatible with all petrol engines including hybrid systems
- Specifically formulated to protect against E10 petrol corrosion
- Manufacturer’s Code: RADD0056A
- Suitable for regular use (every 3-4 tank fills recommended)
- Can be combined with other Redex products like Octane Booster
- Safe for catalytic converters and oxygen sensors
The formulation is designed to address deposits throughout the fuel system, from the fuel tank and lines to the injectors and combustion chamber. The cleaning action gradually dissolves carbon, gum, and varnish deposits that can accumulate over time, particularly in vehicles subjected to short trips or those using lower-quality fuels. The E10 protection component is particularly relevant given the UK’s switch to E10 as the standard petrol grade in 2021, which contains higher ethanol content that can cause issues in some vehicles.
Customer Experience & Reviews Analysis
Customer feedback for Redex Petrol System Cleaner reveals a mixed but generally positive experience. With an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars across various platforms, and 58% of reviews giving 5 stars, most users appear satisfied with the product. However, there’s a notable division in opinions, with some users reporting significant improvements while others question its effectiveness.
Common Positive Feedback
- “Car seemed smoother and perkier after running a tank through with it” – PistonHeads forum user
- “I use Redex, have for years now and am happy with the results, my cars always seem to run smooth with very good emission results” – Car forum user
- “After a dose of Redex it was sweeter, with improved fuel consumption, then better still after the second dose” – FIAT Forum user
- “Greatly improved performance on my old carburetted motorbike after it sat for months” – Reddit user
- “This product has proven to be highly effective in cleaning out the dirt and grime that accumulates in the fuel system over time” – Amazon reviewer
Common Criticisms
- “Redex does absolutely nothing. It’s complete snake oil. All the ingredients are already in petrol/diesel in the UK” – Reddit user
- “The injector cleaners are a bit of con. Your fuel filter will get out any gunk” – Reddit user
- “Difference to MPG was within margin of error though I saw a small improvement” – Forum user
- “Over about 2,000 miles of mainly commuting in three months, my average fuel consumption using the Redex fuel system cleaners was 31.1mpg. My average before the trial was 30.9mpg – a negligible difference of 0.2mpg” – The Car Expert
- Some users report no noticeable difference in performance or fuel economy
The pattern that emerges from customer reviews suggests that Redex Petrol System Cleaner may be most effective in vehicles with existing deposit issues or those that have been subjected to poor maintenance. Users with newer vehicles or those that regularly use premium fuels often report less noticeable improvements. This aligns with the product’s primary function of removing deposits that have already accumulated rather than providing performance enhancements to clean engines.
Comprehensive Pros & Cons Analysis
| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Affordable price point compared to premium alternatives |
Lower concentration of active ingredients than premium products |
| Widely available in supermarkets and auto stores |
Mixed reviews on effectiveness for performance improvement |
| Simple pour-in application with clear dosage instructions |
Minimal measurable improvement in fuel economy in controlled tests |
| Specifically formulated to protect against E10 petrol corrosion |
May not be effective for severe deposit issues |
| Compatible with all petrol engines including hybrids |
Requires regular use for optimal results |
| Can be combined with other Redex products |
Some experts question the necessity of additives with modern fuels |
| Frequently on promotion in major retailers |
Premium fuels may provide similar cleaning benefits |
Competitor Comparison
The fuel system cleaner market offers numerous options ranging from budget-friendly mass-market products to premium professional-grade solutions. Redex Petrol System Cleaner positions itself in the affordable mainstream segment, competing primarily on price and availability rather than premium performance.
How It Compares to Leading Alternatives
- Wynn’s Petrol System Cleaner – Slightly more expensive than Redex (£10-12) but offers a larger 325ml bottle. Similar functionality and claims, with a comparable market position. Ranked higher in some expert comparisons but with a similar value proposition.
- STP Ultra 5-in-1 Petrol System Cleaner – Priced similarly to Redex but claims additional functionality with its “5-in-1” formula. Comparable cleaning effectiveness but with more marketing emphasis on multiple benefits. Ranked #2 in Car Magazine’s best petrol injector cleaners list.
- Forte Lubricants Specialist Car Fuel Petrol Injector Cleaner – Premium product at a significantly higher price point (£15-20). Professional-grade formulation with stronger cleaning capability. Often used by mechanics and garages rather than regular consumers.
- Redline SI-1 Complete Fuel System Cleaner – Premium US product with the highest PEA concentration on the market (40%+). Significantly more expensive (£20+) but widely regarded as the most effective cleaner available. Less widely available in UK retail stores.
- Cataclean Fuel and Exhaust System Cleaner – Mid-premium product (£12-15) that claims to clean both fuel and exhaust systems. Particularly marketed for emissions reduction before MOT tests. More specialized than Redex’s general maintenance approach.
In terms of cleaning effectiveness, Redex generally ranks below premium products like Redline and Forte but offers comparable performance to similarly priced competitors like Wynn’s and STP. The key differentiator is Redex’s widespread availability and frequent promotions, which make it the most accessible option for many UK drivers. For regular maintenance of vehicles without severe deposit issues, the performance difference between Redex and premium products may not justify the price premium of the latter.
Value Assessment
With a typical price point of £8-10 for a 250ml bottle containing 2 treatments, Redex Petrol System Cleaner positions itself as an affordable option in the fuel additive market. This translates to approximately £4-5 per treatment, significantly less than premium alternatives that can cost £10-15 per treatment. For regular maintenance use, this price difference becomes substantial over time.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
- At £4-5 per treatment (treating a full 50-liter tank), the cost per liter of fuel treated is approximately 8-10 pence
- Reported fuel economy improvements of 0.2-2% may offset some of the product cost, though results vary widely
- Regular use as preventive maintenance may help avoid more costly repairs related to carbon buildup
- Frequently available on promotion, further improving the value proposition
- E10 protection provides additional value for vehicles not specifically designed for higher ethanol content fuels
- For vehicles with existing deposit issues, multiple treatments may be required, reducing the initial value proposition
For everyday vehicles used for regular commuting, the value proposition of Redex is strong when used as preventive maintenance. The modest cost is easily justified if it helps maintain fuel system cleanliness and prevents more serious issues from developing. However, for vehicles with existing performance issues due to severe deposit buildup, the value proposition is weaker, as more expensive premium products with higher concentrations of active ingredients may provide better results more quickly.
It’s worth noting that some experts suggest that regularly using premium fuels (Shell V-Power, BP Ultimate) may provide similar cleaning benefits to basic fuel additives like Redex. For drivers who already use premium fuels, the additional value of Redex may be minimal. However, for those using standard or supermarket fuels, Redex offers a cost-effective way to add cleaning capability without the ongoing premium fuel cost.
Final Verdict
4.3/5
Overall Rating
Solid Value for Regular Maintenance
Redex Petrol System Cleaner earns a solid 4.3/5 rating as an affordable, accessible fuel system maintenance product that delivers reasonable performance for its price point. While it may not match the aggressive cleaning power of premium alternatives, it provides sufficient cleaning capability for regular maintenance at a fraction of the cost. The widespread availability in UK supermarkets and auto stores, combined with frequent promotions, makes it the most accessible option for many drivers looking to maintain their fuel system health.
The product’s strengths lie in its ease of use, compatibility with all petrol engines including hybrids, and specific formulation to address E10 petrol corrosion issues. The simple pour-in application with clear dosage instructions makes it accessible to all drivers regardless of technical knowledge. For vehicles without severe deposit issues, the cleaning performance is adequate for maintaining fuel system cleanliness and potentially providing modest improvements in performance and fuel economy.
However, expectations should be realistic. The mixed customer reviews reflect the reality that results vary significantly depending on the vehicle’s condition, driving patterns, and fuel quality. For vehicles with severe deposit issues or those seeking maximum performance improvements, premium products with higher concentrations of active ingredients may be more appropriate despite their higher cost. Similarly, drivers who already use premium fuels may see less benefit from adding Redex to their maintenance routine.
In conclusion, Redex Petrol System Cleaner represents good value for money as a regular maintenance product for everyday vehicles. It’s best viewed as preventive maintenance rather than a performance enhancer or a fix for existing problems. Used regularly as part of a maintenance routine, particularly in vehicles using standard or supermarket fuels, it can help maintain fuel system cleanliness and potentially extend engine life at a very reasonable cost.
